State Parks Passport offers lower cost lake permit

In an effort to make annual passes to El Dorado State Park more accessible, there is now a program in place to allow for the purchase of a pass at the same time vehicle tags are renewed.

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By Jessica Seibel

Butler County Times Gazette

By Jessica Seibel

Posted Jan. 5, 2013 at 11:00 AM

By Jessica Seibel
Posted Jan. 5, 2013 at 11:00 AM

El Dorado, Kan.

In an effort to make annual passes to El Dorado State Park more accessible, there is now a program in place to allow for the purchase of a pass at the same time vehicle tags are renewed.

“When you go in to renew your tag, you will be able to purchase an annual park pass for $15,” said El Dorado State Park Manager Seth Turner. “It will be good for the life of that car tag.”

The Kansas State Parks Passport program is in its inaugural year.

“It started Jan. 1,” said Turner. “It had been done in other states that had good luck with it so we’re going to give it a try here in Kansas.”

The Passport will allow entry into any of the state parks in Kansas, and is cheaper than a $25 pass that can be purchased at a park office.

The Passports can only be used for a single vehicle.

“It’s supposed to stay with the car you buy it for,” said Turner. “Under law they are not transferable.”

He hopes the Passports will help increase the number of people who visit the park, which will in turn help increase revenue.

“At one time we were 80 percent supported by the state’s general fund,” said Turner. “We are now 5 percent supported from the general fund. Hopefully, more people will start to buy them and utilize the parks more.”

Turner provided a list of potential questions about the Passports, including:

• Can the Kansas State Parks Passport be used at all the state parks?

The Kansas State Parks Passport will allow entry to all of the state parks except for Prairie Spirit Rail Trail State Park.

• What if I need an annual park vehicle permit before I register my vehicle?

During 2013, persons who would like to purchase a regular annual park permit before they register their vehicles can do so at any KDWPT office, Kansas license vendor or through the KDWPT website, (www.ksoutdoors.com/License-Permits), and then request a pro-rated refund for the difference in cost. Refund forms will be available from KDWPT state park offices or through the KDWPT website at ksoutdoors.com.

• Can I get a refund if I bought an annual park permit before I registered my vehicle?

You can request a pro-rated refund for the difference in cost. Refund forms will be available from KDWPT state park offices or through the KDWPT website at ksoutdoors.com. Only Kansas State Parks Passports purchased between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2013 will be eligible.

• My vehicle is registered out of state. Can I get the Kansas State Parks Passport for it?

Page 2 of 2 - No. Owners of vehicles not registered in Kansas should buy their park vehicle permits at a KDWPT office or vendor and pay the regular price.

• I’m 65 years old or older (or) I have a disability. Can I get a reduced price on the Kansas State Parks Passport?

No, discount senior and disability permits are not available under the Kansas State Parks Passport program. Residents 65 years of age or older or persons with disabilities who display a special license plate or placard issued pursuant to state law can buy a special park vehicle permit directly from a KDWPT office or vendor. Including processing fees, the cost will be $13.75 for annual vehicle park permits or $3.25 for regular daily permits.

• What if I buy a Kansas State Parks Passport, then sell that vehicle and buy another before the Passport expires?

You will need to purchase another Kansas State Parks Passport when you register your new vehicle.

• What if I have to replace my windshield?

You can buy a duplicate park permit from a State Park office for $12.50.